AROUND THE NFL

Jim Fassel will return as Ravens offensive coordinator next year unless he receives a head coaching position with another NFL team. There had been speculation about whether the Ravens would retain Fassel, who coached the New York Giants for seven seasons and took them to the Super Bowl in 2001, where they lost to the Ravens.

The Bengals reworked and extended Carson Palmer's contract, giving themselves more salary cap flexibility and a chance to keep their franchise quarterback through 2014. By adding six years to a deal that could pay him $118.75 million, they also showed they're serious about winning for years to come.

Two days after burying his son, coach Tony Dungy rejoined the Colts on Thursday, hugging his players and assistant coaches and thanking the public for its support while he dealt with his personal tragedy. "It was the right time to come back," he said following an afternoon workout. "I talked about it with my wife, and we went through the grieving process and now we're starting with the healing process." Dungy left the team Dec. 22 when his 18-year-old son, James, died. A preliminary autopsy report indicated the teen took his life.

Quarterback Byron Leftwich says his mending left ankle is getting better. Leftwich broke the ankle Nov. 27 against Arizona and has been out since. He practiced Wednesday and Thursday and said he hopes to be ready when the Jaguars open the playoffs Jan. 7 or 8. His status for Sunday's final regular-season game with Tennessee remains a question.

Owner Tom Benson and NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue have reached an agreement to return the displaced team to its state-owned training facility in Metairie, La., after the season ends Sunday, sources have told the San Antonio Express-News. Tagliabue is expected to inform the team's players and coaches of the decision when he meets with them today in San Antonio. The agreement likely eliminates the possibility of the Saints playing home games at the Alamodome in 2006. City officials had hoped the league would allow the Saints to play most of their games in San Antonio after the team averaged 62,666 for its three games at the dome this season and only 40,310 for four games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

The Raiders placed Charles Woodson on injured reserve, ending the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback's season and possibly signaling the end of his career in Oakland. Woodson has not played since breaking his right leg on Oct. 23.